Material matrix polymer matrix composite

The matrix material surrounds and supports the reinforcement materials by maintaining their relative positions.
The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the composite component its shape and determines its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon.
The matrix material largely determines the processing method.

1. Material matrices Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC)

2. Matrix material The matrix material surrounds and supports the reinforcement materials by maintaining their relative positions. The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the composite component its shape and determines its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon. The matrix material largely determines the processing method.

3. In 21st century we are in need of light but stronger materials . From automobile to aerospace, medical , military technology and even in household we need heavy duty, corrosion resistant material. Here comes the composites with all those specifications. And day by day the field of composite materials is getting stronger. Among all the composites Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC ) have a strong place due to its specialization.

4. Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) Consisting of a polymer (resin) matrix and fiber. Very popular due to their low cost and simple fabrication methods .

5. Thermosetting Polymers Extensive crosslinking formed by covalent bonds. High Thermal stability. High dimensional stability . Low weight. High rigidity. Can not be recycled due to its heavy covalent bonds.

6. COMMON EXAMPLES AND USES of Thermoset ●  Polyurethanes:  Paints, coatings, insulating foams, car parts, print rollers, footwear, sealants, adhesives . ●   Epoxy resin:  Aircraft components , tooling jigs and fixtures, coatings, adhesives for automobiles, marine vessel parts, electronic components . ●   Melamine formaldehyde:  Adhesives, coatings, laminates, dinnerware, electrical components, knobs, household items, construction material, furniture-making . ●   Urea-formaldehyde:  Plywood foam, electrical items, doorknobs, toilet items, adhesives, chemically-inert coatings, paper, plastic molds, decorative articles. ●  Polyester resins:  Casting materials, non-metallic car body fillers, electrical components, reinforced plastic sheets used in restaurants/kitchens, low-care walls, laser printer toners, bonding materials . ●   Bakelite:  Precision-made parts, vehicle disc brake cylinders, knobs, plastic ware, electrical products and insulation, plugs and sockets, automotive parts, light bulb supports, kitchenware handle

7. Thermoplastics No chemical linking between individual molecules. Molecules are bonded by weak secondary bonds like Van der walls bonds and hydrogen. Parts can be made and joined byheating . Can be remolded, and recycled. Better toughness and impact resistance than thermosets .

8. COMMON EXAMPLES AND USES of Thermoplastic ●   Nylon (Polyamide):  Mechanical and automotive parts, clothing, packaging, cupboard hinges, heat-resistant composite manufacture . ●   Polyethylene:  Drums, gas tank coating, milk bottles, squeeze bottles, jugs, movable machine parts, bullet-resistant vests, laundry detergent containers . ●   Acrylic:  Battery covers, lightweight glass alternative, vehicle taillight covers, eye lenses, as bone cement in medicine . ●   Polypropylene:  Toys, sanitary tissues, heat-proof medical equipment, rope, string, plastic seats, laboratory equipment, detergent-proof food containers, automobile components, folders . ●   Polyvinyl chloride:  Cabinets, fume hoods, tanks, electrical insulation, toys, pipes, fittings, flooring, medical devices . ●   Teflon:  Flange spacers, gaskets, non-stick cookware, machine parts, gears, wires, lubricant for sliding doors.

9. Forming Processes for Thermosetting matrix composites: Pultrusion. Resin transfer molding. Hand layup and spray up techniques. Filament winding. Autoclave molding.

10. Forming Processes for Thermoplastic matrix composites Injection molding. Diaphragm forming. Film stacking. Thermoplastic tape laying.

11. Pultrusion Method

12. Resin Transfer Molding

13. Advantages of PMC Good inplane stiffness and strength. Low density. Relatively low cost. Corrosion resistance. Low coefficient of thermal expansion. Relatively mature technology. Excellent in-service experience.

14. Limitations of PMC Low maximum working temperature. Sensitivity to radiation and moisture. Processing temperature are generally higher than those with thermosets . Required special processing equipment. Thermoset resins have poor impact resistance.